My name is Mrs. D. and I am an author of children's books. Currently, I’m juggling many projects including several new books. I love to write. I love this beautiful language. I write because I have something to share. I write because maybe someday, someone in this world may need my experience. I write for one simple reason. I love how it makes me feel: free.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

People write for many reasons, and some take
the next step and publish what they have written. I like to write children’s
stories, and those close to me convinced me to publish them. It is nice to hold
a printed book and see vibrant illustrations. The characters finally come to
life!

All authors have the desire that readers will
like their book and hold the hope that they will fly off bookshelves like hotcakes.
I am not that naïve; I know the limits of self-publishing.

Self-publishing companies come to the rescue of
authors who want to see their work published. They promise to publish books in
a few months, and it sounds realistic and believable. After all, how long could
it possibly take to make a decent children’s book with a dozen illustrations?
Not that long, I was told when I originally researched self-publishing
companies.

I read some negative reviews too. I thought
these bad reviews were written by disgruntled people, authors who didn’t want
to be involved in their projects. Publishers are not mind readers, and the
authors must tell them how they envision their book. Little did I know that I
would become one of those people—an author who would write an article, this article, because of a bad
experience with a self-publishing company.

I’ve never considered myself a complainer,
nor am I a quitter. I thought I could handle anything, until I started working
with Xlibris’ representatives.

In January 2011, I decided to publish some of
my stories, and after researching self-publishing companies, I contacted
Xlibris. Their representative, who was a very good salesperson, convinced me to
try Xlibris. Everything he said sounded promising, and after more research, I
agreed and submitted my two manuscripts.

The first representative spoke with knowledge
and confidence. I asked him to read my stories and give me an idea which
package would be the most helpful. They were my first books, and as a beginner in
the book business, I needed all the help I could get. In my wildest dreams, I
would never have believed a self-publishing company could cause such nightmares
and leave such a bad taste about publishing that I must share my experience
with the public.

All my life I’ve run businesses, including my
own, and for many years I’ve worked with the public. I am all business when it
comes to making a good product. I think any self-respecting businessman or
woman would do the same. The rules are the same—you give your customers satisfactory
service and they come back for more. Business is business, and no matter what
kind of customers you serve, you want the same result: to keep your customers
happy. If you are lucky, they will spread the word about the quality services
you provide, and with that comes success and recognition. It is as simple as
that.

I am not sure if Xlibris’ representative read
my stories, but he advised me to buy one of their most expensive packages,
which he said would cover all my needs. I took his advice under consideration, and
in January 2011 I purchased their Executive package for two children’s books of
44 pages each, including illustrations and marketing services, for $ 9,300.00.

In the beginning I felt broke but relieved. I
naively thought the publishing process would be taken care of. I was dealing
with professionals! That was when I learned that money does not buy happiness.
The Executive package was to cover all services: editing my manuscript,
creating illustrations, then marketing would kick in, and everything would run
smoothly and peacefully. At that time, it sounded promising and encouraging. I could
take off my shoes, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

By nature, I am a businessperson. I always
take care of things and oversee the products I make. I pay attention to details
that are important to customers and me, especially when it comes to children. I
would never cheat little customers. My final product must look like one I would
buy for myself. If I am not attracted to my product, then why should anyone
else buy it?

Shortly thereafter, my manuscripts were
edited. When I received the manuscripts back, I found notes with a few
corrections and a release form attached.

“A few commas, a few wrong words, and so few suggestions.
Not bad for a foreigner,” I thought proudly. English is one of the few
languages I speak, and I relied heavily on the professional team to help me
with editing.

“That’s how a manuscript should look?” I
asked my representative.

“We have the best people in the publishing
field. If you sign a release form, the manuscript will be ready for the next
stage, and we will quickly move to layout,” he replied.

One day my daughter, who is a math teacher,
read my edited manuscripts and found many grammar mistakes that had been missed.
I quickly realized how poorly my manuscript had been edited and how many mistakes
had been overlooked.

“A math teacher against a professional team? Unfair!
Not an even battle,” I thought. I wrote a complaint, and their representative
promised me they would correct the grammar mistakes that their editor had
missed.

I honestly believed they would correct their
errors, and I concentrated on the illustrations. Things became progressively worse
when I received the first sketches for the characters in my book. They were
done horribly, as if a small child had drawn them. I kindly explained to the
representative that they should come up with better choices for illustrations. They
did, but they still looked immature, and none of them presented my story
accurately.

I rolled up my sleeves and went on the Internet.
For weeks, I searched for art samples and pictures, spending many hours
emailing, describing how I envisioned the mouse that was the main character of
my book. I sent many instructions on how to draw his face, his clothes, his
whiskers, but the artists still missed his whiskers on a few illustrations.

“To heck with whiskers,” I thought. “Children
wouldn’t notice them anyway.” I tossed in bed night after night. I could not
sleep for months.

“A mouse without whiskers? Insane!” I changed
my mind.

In the end, Carlo the mouse came out really cute
… after many sleepless nights, after searching for samples, pictures, drawings,
sketches, and after switching illustrators and representatives. I finally
complained to customer service and threatened to withdraw my projects.

When illustrator Juli Hasegawa came in to the
picture and saved my illustrations, she was by far the best illustrator I’d
worked with and came closest to what I had envisioned for my book.

My first book, Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, slowly moved ahead. The illustrations
were colored and the book went to the production stage. As I mentioned
previously, I am a foreigner, and I heavily relied on the competence of Xlibris’
professional team. That was why I bought a complete package. Correcting English
grammar is not my cup of tea.

After Xlibris sent me a galley to look at and
approve, I found that the production team had made more mistakes than I could
imagine. After layout, their correction team did not bother to check pages or
text. Illustrations were cut on each side, and words were smashed or ran into
each other. I made note of the corrections and sent them back to Xlibris, but in
the process of their corrections on the galley, they made more mistakes. The
galley went back and forth for months, but the correction team apparently never
reread what they corrected and sent the galley back with additional mistakes.

After months of struggling to get a clean, corrected
galley, I wrote another complaint, but there was no answer. Customer service at
Xlibris never took the time to call or had the courtesy to answer my concerns.
I wrote a letter to the CEO, Kevin Weiss, but it seems he ignored my problems
as well.

In the fall, we eventually reached the final
galley stage, but after a math teacher had found so many mistakes in the galley,
I did not trust Xlibris with grammar, and asked to check the manuscript once
more time. They said they would.

Before I signed the release form, I noticed
additional mistakes they had made, ones which I had previously directed them to
correct. I asked the production team to be sure there would be no grammar
mistakes in the galley and to be certain they used the final galley for
printing. The representative promised there would be no problem with the galley.

After reading my story so many times, I had
it memorized and could see it in my dreams. At that point, I should have given
up, but I was determined to finish this project. Xlibris would not break my
will and cause me to quit. I was almost there. I could smell my printed book. I
wanted the adorable Carlo the mouse to see the world. I had created that funny mouse
and I wanted children to meet him. Let the children judge and decide whether Carlo
would live or not. I signed the release form and got congratulations from my
Xlibris representative.

Finally, my first book was going to see the
world. My picture was printed on the back of the book, just as I had dreamed. Great!
I’m officially an author! Who would have believed it? I wrote the book in
English! Carlo the mouse will meet the kids!

The holidays arrived … too soon. Santa wasn’t
ready. Holding my first book, I suddenly noticed sticky tape on each corner. I
quickly flipped through the book and found that the production team never took off
the tape that held the pages. They printed my first book with tape on each page
corner.

Angry, I wrote another book about Carlo the mouse
struggling to survive a publishing company. This time the tape marks fit,
because the poor animals had to create the book themselves after their struggles
with Xlibris. Maybe Xlibris would be interested in publishing this book for
free, but for now I decided to concentrate on my first two books and let them
finish my projects.

All my pride and glory vanished when I saw that
the illustrations were cut on each side again and appeared too large. Someone
in the design department had messed up the size of the book, which should have been
8.5 by 11 inches. The pages were uneven and not centered. I was stunned at how
sloppily the book was printed, fuzzy and unclear. The grammar mistakes that they
had promised to fix had not been corrected. The design team had messed up the galley
and let it go to printing without additional checking. After complaining, I
received an explanation from my representative: “You owe us money to fix the
tape marks.”

I stopped breathing and turned blue!
Previously, many times on the phone, I had reminded the Xlibris representative
to remove these tape marks.

“We would never print the book with the tape
marks,” they reassured me.

If I could cry, I would, but I was in such a
state of shock that I had forgotten how to do so. I wanted to howl like a wolf during
the full moon…

“Did I place them there?” I asked.

“You signed a release form,” was their
answer.

Once again, Carlo the mouse was in jeopardy.
I happened to like my adventurous mouse and did not want him to disappear forever.
I swallowed my pride and wrote another complaint. Carlo the Mouse on Vacationwas my first book. I had worked so hard
to give life to this funny, adorable mouse.

I contacted top management and the book was
sent back to the production team, but I had lost my trust in Xlibris and hired
my own editor, who did a great job by editing a new galley. Xlibris removed the
tape and did a new layout for an additional $300.00.

Meanwhile, the marketing team lunched press
and newswire releases, but the book was not available for sale. What was the
point of advertising something that wasn’t available for sale? What a waste of
money and time. The website wasn’t created either, and links that had been
advertised went nowhere. Oh, Xlibris!

The marketing team had little knowledge of
how the technical side of the Internet works. I hired my own website expert to
deal with the Xlibris Internet marketing team, and for months, he directed them
how to create a simple website, while he was working on my own website.

I don’t blame the representative. I didn’t
know much about the Internet myself. The difference is that I don’t work for
Xlibris! That’s why I bought an Executive package for almost $10,000.00. What
is Xlibris’ excuse? They claim to be professionals, but have so little to
offer. It took over two months and many emails to get a new galley redone.

After more than a year of working with
Xlibris on my book Carlo the Mouse on
Vacation, my adventure with Xlibris is finally over. The end of my
suffering … Carlo the mouse will live! Now I can celebrate my first published
book, Carlo the Mouse on Vacation,
which by the way looks amazing, bursting with color and fun. My nieces and
nephews love Carlo! They inspired me to write a series of ten adventures of Carlo
the mouse inside the hospital.

The first version ofCarlo the Mouse on Vacation is available in print on Amazon and Barnes
& Noble and on most e-devices. I did not trust Xlibris with the e-book,
which they had promised to convert for free, and had it done by EbookIt, which turned
out to be an excellent company.

Hooray for Carlo the Mouse on Vacation! I hope my little readers will like this
tricky little mouse. One thing I can promise Xlibris: Carlo the mouse will live
and travel the world. I will make sure, because he deserves to be heard and
seen.

After a year of fighting for cute Carlo the
mouse, I have grown a very thick skin and have fought hard for my second book, The Trees Have Hearts, which has a
special place in my heart. While working on TheTrees Have Hearts, I oversaw every word and every stroke in each
illustration. No more mistakes!

For many months, I worked hard, but Xlibris
was the best school I have ever attended. The experience I had with Xlibris taught
me a great lesson: I learned how to make good books.

Now Xlibris has finally published my second
book, The Trees Have Hearts, which
looks amazing, bursting with vibrant colors and printed on quality paper. Once again,
special thanks to Juli Hasegawa, a talented Filipina artist, who saved my two
books.

I have been more
than patient over the last year, but after struggling with Xlibris, I had
no other option than to write this blog post and explain everything
that has happened in my interactions with this company. If I can
help at least one author to avoid my mistakes, it was well worth it to write
this post. I am right here, one e-mail away.

AlthoughI was exasperated, I would not give up
before my project was completed to my satisfaction. I am not a nightmare—I
do not go away.

What have I learned about the publishing process
with Xlibris?

1.I wrote another children’s book.

2.Xlibris taught me how to make my own book.

3.Xlibris can hire me as a consultant if they wish.

4.Now I know what not to do and can help others.

Authors are not mean people. They write books,
and most of the time they are harmless and depend too much on self-publishing companies,
which promise to help and to create a good product. Authors pay them for their
services and have the right to expect professionals who care.

I would like the folks at Xlibris to open
their eyes and see what’s happening. They can compete with other book
publishing companies if they are willing to pay attention, listen to customers,
and learn from their mistakes. They produced two great books for me, Carlo the Mouse on Vacation and The Trees Have Hearts,which can easily
compete with any publishing house. Our names are written next to each other,
and now we can both be proud of the product we created. I am not a complainer,
or God forbid, a quitter. I just like to write children’s stories and quality
books.

Here is what I learned after working with
Xlibris for almost a year:

1)Xlibris could be a capable company if its teams learn how to communicate
with each other and the writer.

2)Xlibris could do much better if it hired qualified, well-trained, caring
professional workers.

3)Xlibris has talented people, but they are lost between
representatives and authors.

4)Xlibris could provide a higher quality product if it did not use cheap
labor.

5)Xlibris could print vibrant books if it used good printing subcontractors.

6)Xlibris could stand up to any publisher if it provided the
services it promises.

7)Xlibris must learn to provide help for the author, not the other
way around.

8)Xlibris must take an interest in selling books and have a better
marketing department.

9)Xlibris must learn how to direct authors, not make them do all the
work for their representatives.

10)Xlibris could produce the best books if it reads its bad reviews
and learns from them.

Authors, take note! Never give up, do your
homework, and don’t be afraid to stand up to your publisher. Remember, they
work for you. You pay them your hard-earned money. I am a beginning author, but
I am not a beginner in business. People shop with their eyes. The product that
looks the best sells the best, and both parties benefit.

Monday, May 28, 2012

After
you finish reading this book to your child, stop your busy life for a moment
and take time for you and your child. Close your eyes and go to a special
place, where everything is simple and pure. Cuddle with your child on the green
grass or golden sand… stare at the beautiful blue sky… listen to the splashing
waves… spin around in a blooming garden or talk to the whispering wind. Look
around you and see what is important in life and to your child.

Stop
and breathe… Be a child for a moment… Dive into their imaginary world where you
can hide in the shadows of blossoming trees. There was a time when my curly-haired
girl taught me how to see her world through her innocent green eyes.

Do
not lose this precious time together; our children grow so fast and I believe
that these special moments are given to us for a reason. Hug your children
every chance you get; reassure them that they are loved. They have their
worries and fears, ideas and solutions as we do. Right or wrong, our children
need us to understand their imaginary world and to be present in their dreams.
Try to listen and hear what they are hearing and see what they are seeing. Love
simple things with an open heart and you will receive unconditional love. Teach
your children, lead them through their life, but let them run free in their
imaginary kingdom.

I
had the privilege to see this imaginary world through the eyes of my little
daughter and saved those moments in my memories forever. The curly-haired girl
is running free in the blooming garden. Now, it is your time, and I will share
my story you…

In this lively text with its beautiful illustrations, you’ll read the touching story of a young girl, friendless because she cannot speak a new language. It will transport your child into the imaginary world of a little girl who has moved to America from a different country.

Unable to speak English, the lonely girl cannot find friends at first. She lives in an old house with a small garden, where three lovely trees and the mysterious wind become her first imaginary friends. The garden friends develop a wonderful friendship with the girl and help her to overcome her fears and worries. They teach her how to make real friends and help her to cope with difficult moments while adapting to her new surroundings.

Unforgettable characters open a beautiful imaginary world to young readers, inviting them to share the fears, tears, and joys of a little girl. The story teaches the true meaning of friendship, while showing readers the beauty of nature. It reveals an enchanting imaginary world as seen through the eyes of a child…

Follow the delightful story of a little girl who discovers the real meaning of friendship in The Trees Have Hearts.

Mrs. D's books: 5 Star Readers’ Favorite

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Mrs.D's Published Books

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Who Let the Cookies Out? (Grandma's Cookies Stories)

Not your normal cookies!Who doesn‛t like cookies, especially cookies that willtake you on a tasty but nutty adventure?This delicious story begins in Grandma‛s kitchen when she decides to surprise her grandson‛s pre-K with holiday cookies. But little did she know what a mess her nutty cookies would create at her grandson‛s school. They just can‛t resist being nuts!This scrumptious tale proves the old saying that we‛re all made from the same “dough,” but a few “nuts” can spoil the batch.Brace yourself for a yummy book that will keep your giggles coming with every page you turn!

Baby from the Moon

A perfect book for bedtime snuggles! "Baby from the Moon" is a tale about a single wish - to find a mommy, whom Baby G saw many times in his dreams while living in the sky before his birth. It is a sweet story of the baby boy and his birth that celebrates life, joy, and encouragement, while satisfying the curiosity of young children how they came into this world. A touching journey of the tiny boy, who wants nothing more then to meet his mommy, this is a gentle introduction and inspiration for every child with dreams. A beautiful story and amazing artwork will keep children's imaginations flying from page to page filled with loving twists and turns. Children might discover something surprising about their birth and themselves. A fantastic gift for a new mommy and baby!

WINNERS OF THE READER'S FAVORITE CONTEST!

This was the largest contest ever and competition was fierce. Honored!

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FROM MRS.D.

Parents who want to make the most of storytelling activities with their children should focus on finding books and stories that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Mrs.D.’s colorful and heartwarming children’s books will not only capture a child’s imagination but will also teach children the true meaning of friendship, family, love, and self-acceptance. They will give parents, grandparents, babysitters, and those who love to read an interesting way to spend time together. Mrs.D.Books blog is about the world of children’s books, self-publishing experiences, recommendations and helpful sites for authors, useful posts from a variety of sources about marketing tools, e-books, children’s apps, book trailers, book buzz, how to sell more books, interesting articles about children’s literature, lists of children’s books, news about children’s authors, art, photography, new discoveries, and more. Brace yourself for an unusual journey...Guest bloggers are welcome!

A Taste of Bread -PUBLISHED!

THAT IS HOW THINGS ARE - PUBLISHED!

(Two connected stories) “The Autumn Wind”—A moving story about the powerful wind and the peaceful garden, and how things change quickly when the callous autumn wind unleashes his power. “The Kitten and the Sparrow”—A heartwarming story about friendship between a kitten and a sparrow, and how the little kitten learns about the power of nature.

The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet - PUBLISHED!

Who made a mess in the closet? This enchanting story contains an amusing dialogue between the strange occupants of a closet and a curious kitten. Much to its surprise, the nosy kitten finds itself in the middle of a huge disagreement between the black broom and the other occupants of the closet. The blue sponge is sensitive, the purple duster is upset, the red vacuum cleaner is furious, and the black broom cannot rest until she discovers who made the mess. Sneak into a dark closet with a kitten and see who causes mayhem! Was it the silver bucket, the green dustpan, the lost slipper, the sleepy mop, or the old cat that made the mess? Read and reread this story until you find out! This entertaining story may start with a mess, but it ends with children laughing!

PUBLISHED!

These fun rhyming stories introduce young readers to delightful food characters with goofy personalities, real feelings, passions and fears, who always disagree with each other about who will feed a hungry little girl first.

PUBLISHED!

What's Going On Inside the Fridge? Story 2

PUBLISHED!

Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? Story 3

THE TREES HAVE HEARTS - MULTI AWARD WINNER!

Poignant and imaginative, this story will easily find a spot in the reader’s heart. The rich storytelling and unforgettable characters add flavor to an already delightful story line. This book opens a surprising imaginary world as seen through the eyes of a child…

GOOD MORNING, WORLD!-Honored for Excellence by the Mom's Choice and Readers' Favorite Awards

Glide gently into the beautiful morning with Baby Thomas and his grandpa. The sun is shining brightly through the wide window and the flowers, trees, birds, and other creatures have already started their day. Brilliant colors of the dawning day wake up the park, and Baby Thomas is ready for a walk. While walking in the park with his grandpa, they see the same things but from a different perspective. Baby Thomas wants to hug the wonderful world around him, but his grandpa has a different opinion. In this book, young readers will easily connect to the wonders of nature and unforgettable characters, playfully interacting with each other. Join happy Baby Thomas and his grandpa for a walk and have a delightful, uplifting morning!

READERS' FAVORITE and MOM'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER!

A Christmas story about sharing and giving. The old cat likes her settled life and is not happy about the new arrivals. She’s also very protective of her belongings. The city kittens annoy her, and the old cat grumbles about the new additions to the family—until she hears a story one night that makes her feel bad. The kittens aren’t the soft or spoiled brats she had thought they were …

An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn’t want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. “How easy it is to lose something you love so much.” She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons.

The Royal Palm-Mom's Choice Awards and Readers' Favorite Winner

A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the Royal Palm discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.

The Little Girl Praying on the Hill - Readers' Favorite International Gold Winner

"The Little Girl Praying on the Hill" is a bittersweet story based on the emotional childhood memories of a young girl determined to understand the purpose for her existence. Growing up in a poor village of the post-World War II era in a country where half the men drink themselves to death by the age of forty, the confused child questions God. The beauty of nature around her animates her and paints the perfect combination of colors, but life in her rundown village, sinking in mud after each rainfall, is a strong contrast. She exists between two worlds: her beautiful imagination and the harsh realities of life. The picture of majestic nature does not fit with the picture that God created for the people he loves. Why did he divide this world so unevenly? Why did he drop her in the wrong place? Her emotions rise to unreachable heights and sink to devastating lows. The gripping beauty of his creation mesmerizes her young mind, but only for a moment before her memories of specific events make her doubt God's intentions.

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CARLO THE MOUSE ON VACATION_NEW SERIES

Heading your way!A funny stories, full of the adventures and troubles of Carlo the mouse, who lives a simple life in a Florida hospital but always dreams of greater things. In these vibrant books, a daring mouse takes center stage in an adventure even bigger than his appetite...

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CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 1_PUBLISHED!

TOO MANY RULES FOR ONE LITTLE MOUSE! Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the Mouse has been born. Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Each book will give readers an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital’s walls. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures!

PUBLISHED!CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 2

NOW WE'RE TALKING! Listen to the news and keep your eyes open, because a curious little mouse has had his wish come true! Now We’re Talking! is the second in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. This nosy little mouse leaves home for the first time to explore life inside the hospital. But Hospitalia is a strange place, and there’s no place for him to hide. Cold, sterile, and unfriendly, the hospital looks nothing like Carlo had imagined while sitting at home. Before he knows what’s up, the kitchen staff are on his tail. Will the hungry mouse manage to trick the hospital manager, cook, and exterminator without breaking the rules his parents taught him? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the Mouse, What’s Going On? If this clever mouse outwits you, don’t get discouraged. Keep reading and follow Carlo’s adventures!

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 3_PUBLISHED!

WHAT'S GOING ON? Trouble! Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who’s disturbing the peace in the hospital? What’s Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse. Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager’s office, but when the kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war. This is only Carlo’s first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat, and is growing like a mushroom after the rain. Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so he can go home safely? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place …

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 4_PUBLISHED

RULES ARE FOR A REASON - More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook, manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reason is the fourth in a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick. Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks like a meatball! Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life. If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 5-PUBLISHED!

NOTHING IS SAFE IN A MOUSE'S LIFE - A whisker-licking story of one kind little mouse! Who would ever suspect that Carlo would meet Fidel the cat inside the hospital? Who would ever believe that the tricky young mouse would outsmart the old cat? Who would ever imagine that for the first time in his life, the daring mouse would venture away from his home and find himself outside the hospital? Homeless, cold, and hungry, Carlo and his family face attacks from vicious birds. Throughout his dangerous journey, Carlo finds adventure aplenty. He learns about life outside the hospital and the dangers that mice face on a daily basis. Determined to return home safely, Carlo has grown up and finally understands why he must obey the rules his parents taught him. Follow the unexpected adventures of this bold little mouse!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 6_PUBLISHED!

IT'S MY LIFE! Once a mouse falls in love, almost anything can happen! His heart skips a beat! He can’t eat, drink, or sleep! He is tossing in bed, losing rest and extra fat! He bleaches his brown hair and becomes a blond mouse! What is going on with Carlo? Papa Mouse is distressed. Is he getting a heart attack? Carlo looks like a bleached punk! Mama Mouse is in shock. Their little mouse has grown up, and he is in love with a cute mouse. He is getting married, dear friends! The young mouse gets his wish. He soon has a pretty wife and a bunch of kids, but he still dreams of seeing the world. Life is short, and a day can hold many adventures. Sliding off a roof, Carlo falls inside an open car trunk … Kick off your boots, hold your hats, and enjoy these books, my little friends! More books on Carlo the mouse are coming in the near future.